Flies carry infection, it is a simple concept - they land on one horse, pick up infection and fly on to the next, landing on the unsuspecting horse transmitting the infection it has picked up. But this kind of disease transmission can kill. Strangles can be deadly - It is one of the most contagious infections in horses and when just one fly moves infection from nose to nose, it is increasing the risk that the horse will contract this potentially fatal infection. For most horse owners, the word “strangles” is a concern – many of us understand that it is a serious condition and that there are implications of infection, but it is uncommon to come across new cases and we may not instantly recognize the condition when presented with it.

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Strangles is found throughout the world and is a serious health concern owing to the speed at which it spreads. Every horse owner in the USA therefore has a duty to understand strangles’ origin, transmission and consequences, and to learn how to prevent the spread of this unpleasant disease.